Harvest time can be family time

Maria T. Olia

Monday

Aug 27, 2007 at 12:01 AMAug 27, 2007 at 12:13 PM

Fall in New England means apple harvest time. Apple picking makes a great family excursion. Kids of all ages enjoy the country air, the changing of the seasons, and the pleasure of eating a crisp, red apple picked fresh from the tree.

Fall in New England means apple harvest time. Apple picking makes a great family excursion. Kids of all ages enjoy the country air, the changing of the seasons, and the pleasure of eating a crisp, red apple picked fresh from the tree.

Here’s a guide to some of the best apple orchards and pumpkin patches throughout Massachusetts. But remember, apple and pumpkin picking has everything to do with the weather — so when the crops are gone; they are gone. Always call the farm or check their Web site before heading out to confirm hours and picking conditions.

More than 65 varieties of apples to pick here. A poultry pen and tire swings will keep the little ones happy. During the weekends there are hayrides and two mazes- a living maze of ornamental grass and an 800- bale hay maze. Try Cider Hill’s award –winning cider. Barn-size farm store is stocked full of farm-grown produce and gourmet foods.

Pick your own apples from kid-friendly, easy- to- pick dwarf trees. Lots of pumpkins to choose from in the pumpkin patch and weekend hayrides. Farm stand sells its own produce, homemade ice cream, and their famous apple cider doughnuts.

On the road to Cranes Beach, this orchard offers you- apples, an animal barn and weekend hayrides.The bakery sells still-hot cider donuts, fruit pies and dumplings. Kids can watch cider being pressed on Saturdays. Russell Orchards is also well-known for its Saturday fall music series.

WEST

Belkin Family Lookout Farm

89 Pleasant Street, South Natick
Hours: Daily 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.

U-Pick Hotline: 508-653-0653

www.lookoutfarm.com

Close to Boston, Lookout Farm was established in 1651 and is said to be one of the oldest working farms in the country. At 180 acres this farm is big - offering 11 varieties of tree-ripened apples plus 2 delicious varieties of Asian Pears! Take a train/tram ride to the orchards. Afterwards, kids can visit the two petting zoos and the bee observatory. Other farm activities include pony rides, a playground, a burlap maze and a hay pyramid. There is a farm market which has all the regular goodies — and great gelato. Note: For u-pickers there is an entrance fee to the farm in addition to the cost of the fruit.

This idyllic 200–acre farm set amidst rolling hills is a pleasant, low-key family farm experience. Pick–your-own apples and pumpkins every day and hayrides, pony rides, and face painting during weekends.

This farm has a “clearview” of nearby Mt. Wachusett. Weekend hayrides to the orchards. Let the kids take a turn at the hand-operated cider press. And if you in search of the great pumpkin you are in luck; you can pick from among several (already gathered) pumpkin varieties.

This historic 200+ year New England farm features gently rolling hills which are easily walkable for even the youngest pickers. Nice selection of pick-your-own-apples and kids can watch fresh-pressed cider being made at the cider mill.

Acres and acres of apples. Take a hayride through the scenic orchards. Pick from thousands of already-gathered pumpkins. Visit the “three little pigs” in the barn. There’s a picnic area and Appleshop with baked goodies. Honey Pot Hill’s awesome privet hedge maze is a huge draw for kids of all ages— let your kids get lost!

Apple and in-the -field pumpkin picking, a large picnic area and an ice cream parlor. On weekends there are hay rides, a corn maze and the Animal Fun Park ($10.95 extra charge). Here kids will enjoy four different amusement rides and more than 50 animals— including two baby camels.

A hillside winery orchard in a picturesque setting has appeal for both kids and parents. Makes award-winning wines like blueberry merlot— yum! There area a wide variety of pick-your-own apples — Nashoba grows over 90 types— including antiques. On weekends there are informative tours of the winemaking facilities and there are always tastings in Nashoba’s extensive wine shop. There’s a nice picnic area and leashed dogs are welcome in the orchards!

Old Frog Pond Farm
38 Eldridge Road, Harvard

Hours: Beginning the second week in September open weekends and holiday 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Pick your own apples and pumpkins. There are weekend hay rides to the fields. Meet the barnyard animals and feed Annie’s “goats in the trees.” There’s also a fun hay bale play area. The country kitchen features fresh baked fruit desserts and ice cream.

One of the state’s oldest pick-your-own farms where you can pick both apples and pumpkins. Bring a picnic— the views are lovely. Weekends overflow with activity— there are cider press demonstrations, hayrides, farm animals, a toddler hay maze, and pony rides. In the Apple Shop, the caramel apples are a customer favorite.

Tougas is a 100-acre farm where you will find a large variety of pick-your-own apples. The staff is extremely friendly and will teach kids the basics about apple picking. Pick your own pumpkin from a huge patch of already –gathered pumpkins. Check out the lively goats and lambs at the petting zoo. There’s a playground and tables under the trees to enjoy a picnic lunch or fresh baked treats like apple crisp from the farm kitchen. There are tractor-pulled hayrides on weekends too!

Maria Olia of Newton is the mother of three teenage sons and a preteen daughter who still love to go apple picking every fall. Her book, “The Little Black Book of Boston” will be published by Peter Pauper Press in 2008.

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